Astronomy Camp is all about discovering the Eureka moment! Under the dark skies of Southern Arizona, students of all ages explore "the heavens" with large telescopes and experience the excitement of scientific inquiry. The unique environments at Kitt Peak National Observatory just west of Tucson, Arizona, and Mount Lemmon Observatory immediately north of Tucson, provide outstanding views of the sky and encourage exploration. Astronomy Camp is an "immersion" experience. Since 1988, thousands of Campers worldwide have become real astronomers; operating research-class telescopes and technology, keeping nighttime hours, interacting with leading scientists, interpreting their own observations, investigating their own questions and curiosities, and most importantly having fun doing so.

Astronomy Camp seeks to motivate all students to further their education in science, math, engineering, and technical fields, not necessarily to become scientists. We are proud that former Campers earned advanced degrees in a wide variety of disciplines and that many others, including our staff, have become leaders in their fields.

Parents often ask why the teen Astronomy Camps are so "life-changing" and "inspiring" to their children. Educational research reveals several reasons:

Real scientists as mentors

A youth-centered, personal approach by the entire Astronomy Camp staff, treating youth as colleagues rather than children